Traveling by plane has become commonplace, but there are little-known details that make a difference in safety and comfort, and cleaning the windshield and cabin windows is one of them. Unlike what happens at home, the materials and care required on an aircraft are specific, and an inappropriate product can scratch, stain or degrade sensitive surfaces. It is in this context that sparkling water emerges as an ally.
Still, there are situations in which the “solution of the moment” comes into play. An example that has gained popularity is the use of sparkling water (or “club soda”) to quickly clean cockpit windows before a flight, especially when there is no time or immediate support for specialized cleaning.
What’s behind the trick
According to the Spanish portal La Razón, the most cited explanation is practical: sparkling water does not contain sugar, unlike soft drinks, and therefore does not leave a sticky film on the glass or transparent material. This reduces the risk of stains and residues that worsen visibility.
Furthermore, as it has dissolved carbon dioxide, it forms a small amount of carbonic acid, a light acidity that can help to “peel off” superficial dirt, such as dust and marks left by insects. It’s not magic: it’s gentle chemistry, applied with a soft cloth.
The topic was publicly explained by Joi Schweitzer, in a sharing that describes this method as a common resource among some pilots, due to the ease of having a bottle available on board.
What good cleaning practices say
Despite the popularity of the “trick”, safety recommendations point to another path: using suitable cloths (for example, clean microfibers) and liquids suitable for aeronautical surfaces, avoiding abrasive materials and techniques that increase the risk of scratches.
In aviation, “appropriate” usually means “compatible with the material and in accordance with the manufacturer/operator’s manual”. The Federal Aviation Administration does not “approve” cleaning products as a general rule; The practical reference is to follow manufacturers’ (OEM) guidelines and technical qualification criteria.
There are also sectoral guidelines that reinforce the idea of using authorized products: IATA, for example, includes in operational guides the cleaning of windows with “authorized glass cleaners” (in the context of cleaning and disinfection procedures).
In practice, and according to , sparkling water can be useful as a quick solution for light and recent dirt, especially when the alternative would be to forcefully peel off a dry stain, increasing the risk of scratches. Even so, it must be applied carefully and with a soft cloth, without “dry rubbing”.
For grease, oil, stubborn residues or “real” cleaning, the rule is to use products suitable for aviation. Boeing, for example, recommends taking special care when cleaning windows and using suitable products (typically ammonia-free), precisely to avoid damage and maintain transparency.
In summary: sparkling water can work as a one-off “plan B”, and there are those who use it for experience and convenience, but it should not be confused with an official procedure. When the visibility and integrity of the material are at stake, what counts is following the operator’s and manufacturer’s guidelines, with compatible products and safe techniques.
Also read:
